My husband and I really enjoy oral sex, but every time we engage in oral sex I end up with a vaginal infection. Can you tell me why?

Toni

I cannot really tell you why you develop a vaginal infection after oral sex. There are a few possible causes of vaginal symptoms, which I'll describe.

First of all, I wonder if you really have an infection. A vaginal infection is usually characterized by itching, irritation and discharge. If you have only irritation, you may not have an infection. Sex, even oral sex, can sometimes chafe or irritate the genitals. Any chemicals, such as those found in oils or spermicides, also can be irritating.

Could you have a sexually transmitted disease? I doubt it, based on what you've told me. From your question, I get the impression that you develop symptoms soon after oral sex. The STD with the shortest incubation period (time between infection and the onset of disease symptoms) is herpes, but it is still almost always at least 48 hours. Recurrences of herpes do occur, but not only after sex. If you are actually developing symptoms right after oral sex, that speaks against any infection. No infection causes symptoms immediately after exposure.

Could you be having a vaginal yeast infection? I guess that is possible. Some cases of vaginal yeast infections are thought to be transmitted by sex. When women have recurrent yeast infections, we sometimes treat the male partner. However, this has been poorly studied, and the evidence that is available suggests that the male partner does not play much of a role in the development of yeast infections. And again, if you are developing symptoms right after oral sex, yeast infection is not likely.

While I cannot diagnose you definitively without seeing you, I doubt that you are having a true vaginal infection. I think that you may be experiencing irritation either due to the sexual contact itself or a chemical. What I suggest that you do is see your doctor while you are having your vaginal symptoms. He or she will be able to determine if you have a true infection.